Jews are fearful of more violence and Muslims are wary of a backlash after the mass shooting at Bondi Beach killed 15. Can Australia steer its way toward stability?

Police said around 1,000 people had attended the Jewish celebration, which was held in a small park off the beach.

Australia star Steve Smith was ruled out of the third Ashes cricket test against England just before the toss of the coin on Wednesday because of a lingering illness. Smith led Australia to eight-wicket wins in Perth and Brisbane in the absence of regular skipper Pat Cummins.

Australia captain Pat Cummins won the toss and elected to bat first in the third Ashes test against England at Adelaide Oval on Wednesday but the hosts suffered a late blow with Steve Smith ruled out of the match.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said two gunmen who killed 15 people at a Jewish holiday celebration were motivated by the Islamic State.

Global surge in Iranian-linked terror plots against Jewish targets exposed by intelligence sources following the deadly Australian shooting attack.

Australia’s consumer confidence slumped in December as the Reserve Bank indicated that its brief easing cycle has come to an end and there’s the potential for a return to interest-rate hikes in 2026.

More than 1 million social media accounts held by users under 16 are set to be deactivated in Australia in a divisive world-first ban that is being closely watched elsewhere.